About me. Political scientist, lawyer, and writer. Creative thinker with extensive knowledge of and new ideas for international law and global affairs.

Benjamin Duerr Portretfoto. Fotograaf: Gregor Servais

Photo: Gregor Servais

International crises and conflicts cause anxiety and distress. Especially now, the world needs well-informed and committed people to face the challenges of our time with optimism, courage, and determination.

As a lawyer, diplomat, and writer, I share knowledge, inspiration, and ideas for international law and politics.

Born in the autumn of 1988 in Southern Germany. Studies: political science (MSc) at the London School of Economics (LSE) and international law (LL.M.) in Turin, Italy.

Extensive experience as a journalist and as a strategist in the non-profit sector, including for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege and his foundation. Coordinator of international engagements – including during the awarding of the Nobel prize – and the ideation of the Global Survivors Fund, which was successfully established in 2019 at the UN.

Since 2019 different international roles for the Dutch government.

My expertise

International cooperation and multilateral organisations, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court. International law and the international rule of law. Armed conflicts and international crimes. History of international relations.

PHOTO: Guy Jordan / London School of Economics

Research

Research on global politics and international law, with a particular interest in the history of diplomacy, international relations, and the role of international law in world orders.

Overview of academic publications

Publications, media appearances, and speaking engagements

Regular publications and appearances in leading media outlets around the world. As a journalist, acvie in three languages in more than ten countries, mostly in Africa. Named one of Germany’s 30 best journalists under 30 years.

Regular lectures and speaking engagements at events and conferences, for example at an internal event of a German government ministry, a United Nations conference in Tunisia, and at panel discussions at the London School of Economics (LSE), the Free University Brussels, and the universities of Leiden and Utrecht in the Netherlands.

With Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (photo: Phil Nijhuis)

Internationale experience

Board member United Nations Association of the Netherlands (UNANL)

Past:

Member of the Young German Leaders delegation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel

Mozambique Fellow, Johns Hopkins University International Reporting Project

Election observer, presidential elections Georgia

Awards

Libris History Prize (shortlist)

One of Germany’s Top 30 Journalists under 30 Years (Medium Magazin)

Nomination for the Best of Online Activism Award for my blog ICCobserver (Deutsche Welle)

German-Dutch Journalism Award
(Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions)